Activities For Spanish Hounds
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Spanish Hound is an age-old breed that has been used for centuries as a hunter. Since Spanish Hounds are very active requiring a lot of exercise every day, they are not typically found in homes as pets. However, when cared for properly and given plenty of attention and activities to keep them busy, Spanish Hounds can be great companion dogs. This guide will give you a few activities for you and your Spanish Hound to partake in to keep that high energy dog happy!
Treadmill Run
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Treats
Treadmill
Activity description
Spanish Hounds are known for their incredible stamina. These dogs can run for very long periods of time as they were bred to pick up a scent and follow a trail for miles until they found their prey. Even the most domesticated Spanish Hound will still need to run quite a bit to burn off some of their natural energy. However, you may not be up to running with your dog for miles or have an adequate piece of property where they can safely run for miles on their own. Luckily you can set them up with a treadmill! This can be a little pricey however the benefit will be great and it is an activity your dog can do any time of year no matter what the weather is.
Step
1
Introduction
Begin by introducing your dog to the treadmill. Let them sniff it and explore the new piece of equipment on their own. If your dog climbs right on up, great! If they are a little hesitant around the treadmill, let them take their time and until they are not afraid. Show your Spanish Hound how to stand on top of the treadmill and encourage them the entire time.
Step
2
Walk
With your dog's leash on, let them get on the treadmill and then stand in front of them, holding the leash and a treat. Turn the treadmill on the lowest speed possible and encourage your dog to start walking forward by holding the treat in front of them. Your Spanish Hound will start moving toward you, in pace with the treadmill. Give your pup a few treats every now and then to keep them going.
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3
Run
Once your Spanish Hound is happy walking on the treadmill, increase the speed slowly but surely. Soon your dog will be running forward with a big smile on their face! Even if your pup seems very happy on the treadmill, never leave them alone while they run and always hold the leash. Teach your dog how to jump off the side of the treadmill if they want to stop. Use the treadmill daily in order to help curb your Spanish Hound's need for exercise.
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Hunting Club
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
2 - 3 hrs
Items needed
Dog Treats
Reflective Dog Vest
Leash
Collar
Activity description
Spanish Hounds are born and bred hunters. They have been hunting wild boars, foxes and even bears throughout the breed's existence. Centuries of hunting pedigree does not go away easily and your Spanish Hound is likely dying to go on a real hunt. There are many real hunting clubs for you and your pup to join in order for your dog to satisfy their need to hunt. While your dog is not likely to go out and hunt bears as they may have in a former life, you can generally choose what type of club you'd like to join and if the dogs will be hunting real prey or mechanically simulated animals. You will have to pay club membership fees and you may want to consider starting your dog hunting when the weather is warm as you'll be outside a lot!
Step
1
Find a club
Look for dog hunting clubs near you and see which one fits your needs the best. If you want your Spanish Hound to hunt real game, look for a club where they will be able to track the prey over a lot of land as they would have done centuries ago. If you opt to join a club where live animals are not hunted, still look for one with lots of land for your dog to safely roam and hunt.
Step
2
Training
While your Spanish Hound has a lot of natural hunting instincts, you still need to train them to hunt with you, under your command. Work with your dog and at your hunting club on certain commands. "Come", "run", and "stay" are all words your dog needs to learn and obey before going on a hunt. You can also practice tracking with your dog by letting them sniff an object and then hiding it, forcing your dog to practice tracking in order to find what you have hidden. Your hunt club will help you train your Spanish Hound to be a great hunter before they even set foot on a real trail.
Step
3
Hunt
Suit your dog up with a nice reflective safety vest and head out with your fellow hunters and get ready to see your Spanish Hound in action. Let your dog go and hunt, following the club's instructions. Call your dog back when needed and let them run freely. Maybe your dog will catch something or maybe not but they are guaranteed to be at least a little tired after the hunt is over!
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Interactive Toys
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Flirt Pole
Tennis Ball Throwers
Dog Treat Puzzles
Activity description
By now, you may be coming to terms with how much energy a Spanish Hound really has. When your dog isn't able to use all this energy or at least get a little playful exercise in each day, they will become destructive and poorly behaved in general. This is a side effect of being bored and needing more opportunities to keep busy. Trying out a few interactive toys and finding the perfect one for your dog is a fun activity for everyone and it will set your dog up to be better behaved in the future. You can set your toy budget however you'd like and then help your dog find their favorite interactive toy any day you'd like!
Step
1
Flirt pole
A flirt pole is a stick with a string attached to the end with a feather attached to the end of the string. Hold the stick and dangle the string and feather in front of your dog as you hang out on the couch. Your Spanish Hound will go crazy trying to catch that feather! Pull it away at the last minute to keep the game going. This is a great way to get your dog's energy out while not having to exert too much effort yourself.
Step
2
Tennis ball thrower
If you have ever played fetch with your Spanish Hound, you know that they could play forever! Get an automatic tennis ball thrower and load it up with balls. The tennis balls will shoot out at a steady pace and your Spanish Hound can chase them all day. Your ball throwing arm needs a rest and this is the perfect solution to give you a break but keep that pup running!
Step
3
Treat puzzles
Fill a dog treat puzzle with your Spanish Hound's favorite treats and close it up. Let your dog figure out how to open the puzzle to uncover their reward. This will help exercise your dog's mind as well as their body and is a perfect way to keep your Spanish Hound entertained when you are not around.
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More Fun Ideas...
Bark and Stop
Spanish Hounds have a very unique voice and their distinctive bark is loud enough to be heard miles away. Train your dog to bark on command but also to stop on command, a tool you will need if your pup ever starts barking for no reason.
Guard Dog
Spanish Hounds can be very loyal to their owners and therefore make great guard dogs. Train your dog to protect you and your family in a safe, well taught way.
Conclusion
Spanish Hounds are like little balls of energy. They are tough enough to track and catch a bear but also loveable enough to curl up with you on the couch after a long day. While Spanish Hounds aren't the best breed for new dog owners, if you are prepared to give these pups the attention and exercise they need, you will be investing in a very happy future with your pup. So get ready to run around, go on a few hunts and play often with your Spanish Hound - you may need to start going to bed early after a day with this pup!